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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-08-24, Page 4_ - s—r.a,..: 4 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, August 24, 1994 ExocHuron sitor Your Community Newspaper TERRI-LYNN DALE - General Manager & Advertising Manager MARY MELLOR - Soles PAT ARMES - Office Manager DiANNE McGRATH - Subscriptions Since 1860 TIM CUMMING - Editor DAVID SCOTT - Reporter LINDA PULLMAN - Typesetter BARB STOREY - Distribution A Burgoyne Community Newspaper SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 28.00 a yeor, in advance, plus 1.96 G.S.T. SENIORS • 25.00 a year, in odvonce, plus 1.75 G.S.T. Goderich, Stratford addresses: 28.00 a year, in advance, plus 7.28 postoge, plus 2.47 G.S.T Out -Of -Area oddresses: 28.00 o year, in odvonce, plus 11.44 postage, plus 2.76 G.S.T USA 8. Foreign: 28.00 a yeor in odvonce, plus $76.00 postage, G.S.T. exempt SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Published Weekly by Signal -Star Publishing of 100 Moin St., Seaforth. Publication moil registra- tion No. 0696 held of Seaforth, Ontario. Advertising is accepted on condition thot in the event of a ypographicol error, the odrertising spoce occupied by lbe erroneous item, together with o reasonable allowance for signature, will not be char, but the bolance of the odvertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event o a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at ony time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss Of domoge of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduction purposes. Changes of oddress, orders for subscriptions and undeliverable copies ore to be sent to The Huron Expositor. Wednesday, August 24, 1994. Editorial and Business Offices - 100 Main Street, Seaforth 1519) 527-0240 Fax (519) 527-2858 Mailing Address - P.O. Box 69, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1 WO Member of the Conodion Community Newspaper Association, Ontorio Community Newspopers Association and the Ontario Press Council Editorial Politicians must pay taxes Some area politicians are seeking a tax exemption for the first $10,000 they make for work on municipal councils. This editorial takes exception to this move...but not for the reasons one might expect. About this time most short-sighted editorialists begin to rant and rave about how politicians are out to line their own pockets, must be saint -like public servants and should work long, unrewarding hours out of the goodness of their hearts. This editorial doesn't urge such unrealistic demands on our leaders. Our politicians almost certainly deserve higher pay...a competent representative can save a municipality, province or country thousands (or millions, or billions) of dollars through effective leadership. Corporations pay their best people huge salaries, why wouldn't the hugest corporation of all, Canada? No one in their right mind would envy a politician's seven -day -a -week, eighteen - hours -a -day job demands. What taxpayer wouldn't rather have competent business people making $200,000 a year for running our province rather than $60,000 -a -year NDP incompetents? Taxpayers often forget that most federal -provincial politicians (who often come from professional, legal or business back- grounds) take a loss in pay to become parliamentarians. Municipal politicians make a pittance in compensation for their volunteer roles. Perhaps politicians' pay should be tied to performance or tied to special training and expertise. It should be less than the private sector rates for the same work but it shouldn't discourage the best people from seeking public office. Having made these statements, which are admittedly unpopular in the midst of Canadians' current sour mood, this editorial goes on to criticize any tax exemptions for Canadian politicians. There is no problem with parliamentarians (or municipal councillors) seeking a raise in salary (as long as it is justified by years of service, business experience, etc.). There is a problem, however, when politicians sneak perks in through the back door. Gold- plated pension plans, lavish expense accounts and tax breaks (not received by the ordinary Canadian) should be abolished. The average Canadian taxpayer shouldn't have to be an accountant to determine how much our politicians actually make. If our MP's deserve $100,000 a year or more, so be it...but get rid of the expense accounts, the extraordinary pensions and the tax breaks. There is no question our municipal representatives make less than they deserve for the work they do...but let's know exactly how much they make (before taxes) and tax them at the same rate as ordinary ratepayers. If municipal politicians require a raise they should have the courage to ask for a raise...not seek tax breaks which distort their true earnings. Politicians may deserve more...but they should pay taxes at the same rate as any other Canadian. - (TBC). Letters to the Editor Commissioner of local phone system resigns Dear Editor, I would like to advise the Cus- tomers and Subscribers of the Tuckersmith Municipal Telephone System that i have resigned as a Commissioner due to differences of opinion with the other Boani members. We hired a new Manager with many years of utility expc!i- cnce to provide planning, budgeting and direction to guide ow- telephone system in the rapid changes that will come in the next few years. in my opinion the recent unjustified firing of thc Manager indicates to me that the current Board Members arc not interested in responsible planning and budgeting because the additional costs will be paid by you the customers and subscribers. Perhaps if the commissioners them- selves paid for the legal and sever- ance costs associated with dismissal of the manager, the decision would have been different? You the sub- scribers have the right to know these costs. At the same time, these commis- sioners are planning to take full control of the Telephone System by means of an incorporated co-op without consideration of taxation issues or alternatives such as a PUC or sale to a private company. I think you the Subscribers have the right to know what the alternatives are before the co-op is finalized. I believe the recent actions of the commissioners of the Tuckersmith Telephone System do not represent the best interests of the subscribers. I would like to say that through- out my years as a commissioner an efficient and well -organized tele- phone company for the customers and subscribers of the Tuckersmith Municipal Telephone System was my highest priority. Bob Cooper Federation returns township grant Tuckersmith Township will ask for a return of its 1994 grant to the Huron Federation of Agriculture. The federation offered a return of 1116- money to the township now that provincially -legislated stable fund- ing is in place. * * * .61 Opinion Help stop the spread of B.L.J.'s "! went down to that St. James Infirmary and / saw some plasma there. / went up and asked the doctor -man, 'Was the donor dark or fair?' "The doctor laughed a great big laugh and he puffed it right in my face. He says,`a molecule is a molecule, son and the damn thing has no race' ...Every man everywhere is the same when he's got his skin off." (From the song Free and Equal Blues by folksinger Josh White). Most of you have probably heard of the out -of -control weed that is wreaking havoc on area wetlands: Purple Loosestrife. The first week of August was dubbed "Project Purple Week" by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and its purpose was to stomp out this wetland invader that chokes out fish and other wildlife from their habitat. Well there's an even more serious problem invading the front yards of Seaforth and area homes: Black lawn -jockeys (for lack of a better term). They're popping up everywhere. Here's how you can spot a black lawn -jockey (hereby referred to as a B.L.J.): Location: Displayed in front lawns of homes, far away from cities. Size and material: Range in size from one to three feet and are made of plaster or cement. Varieties: 1) B.L.J. dressed in a red and white suit and holding a lantern. 2) B.L.J. dressed in a baseball un orm and ho ding a glove or bat. 3) B.L.J. with no shoes and a hat on, sitting on a rock and holding a fishing pole or a flag. And probably some other variations too. Rationale behind owning one: ???? Why would anyone choose to put one of these things on their front yard? What message are they trying to get across? To me it says: "Black people are not wanted here." And if they are, "we'll make them hold a lantern or a fishing pole or baseball bat and stand on our front lawn 24 hours a day." To all those who have these B.L`'J.'s on their front lawn, I have a few questions: 1) Have you ever in your life met a black person, person of colour, African-American? 2) Have you ever actually had a real conversation (sharing of thoughts, ideas) with anyone who was not white? 3) Have you ever invited a black person over to your home? 4) Do you have any friends who are black? To those of you who say, "Well, we're not racist. If we didn't like black people we wouldn't have a little black man sitting on our front lawn." Or for those who claim a B.L.J. is some symbol of honour or respect for black people, ask yourself this: How many black families have B.L.J.'s on their front lawns if they're such `cute,' 'friendly,' 'honourable' representatives of black people? In living in Toronto for almost eight years, NOT ONCE did I see a B.L.J. on anybody's prop- erty. And if one was ever placed on someone's front lawn, it probably would have ended up being thrown through their front window in a matter of minutes. People in the city just don't tolerate blatant racial intolerance. This isn't the Southern U.S. but you might think it was some- times when you drive around Seaforth and area. To have a B.L.J. displayed on a front yard strongly suggests to me that these property owners feel they have ownership over their own, personal black person, just like back in the days of slavery. I believe Abraham Lincoln passed the Emancipation Procla- mation in 1863 abolishing slav- ery. Before the end of the Civil War, slaves used the Under- ground Railroad which provided a system of escape from the South to the free states or to Canada. Yep, good 'ol non -racist Canada. I'd swear some people are travelling backward in time. Cat/Dog Update It's just been raining cats and dogs lately - a letter to the editor condemning cats, a refusal from the Township of Tuckersmith to issue cat licenses. All of this and more has affected the cat and dog vote total. We've received votes by mail and in person. And the score is: DOGS-4/CATS-3. The canines are taking the lead. I'll have to create a new computer program for this if the numbers get much higher. We've also had more cat com- ments: pros and cons. "Ali cats should be shot." (I think we know what side that person is on). "Cats are more rewarding pets." Said to a cat perched on a coffee table about to leap onto someone's lap: "You are poison to me creature - be gone!" (This person is also deathly allergic to cats). And if that's not enough, it's been raining cats and dogs for most of August. f�sl�6ac� WINTER STREETSCAPE - This old-time photo depicts some sleighing activity on the Main Street of Seaforth which didn't look all that much different than it does today. In those early days a snowy winter was actually good for business because it meant horses could pull a sleigh into town. Flashback has been a series of historical photos leading up to Seaforth's Homecoming celebrations on August 3-6, 1995. if you have a photo of historical interest we would be interested in hearing from you. Video cameras stolen from store On Friday, July 22, some time between the hours of noon and 3 p.m. Bob and Betty's Variety and Radio Shack Store located on the Main Street in the Town of Seaforth, had two video cameras stolen. #1 - 8mm Sharp Cam- corder, Model #VL -NIU Serial #306312659; #2- Sharp View Cam- era Model # VL-E30C Serial #308313474. Thieves pried open the front door at the Hensall liquotTstore cutting the wires at about 5'a.nt on July 29. The thieves described as four males in their late teens, driving a full-sized older -model, dark-col- oured van (believed to be a Ford), removed cases of liquor and coolers of various brands. A Hay Township residence on the twelfth concession at Lot 17 was broken into on July 26 and the thief stole a Samsung computer and Technics stereo after gaining entry through a rear patio door by break- ing a hasp. If you have any information on these crimes contact your local police department or Crime Stop- pers at 1-800-265-1777. Violent storm creates havoc in FROM THE PAGES OF THE HURON EXPOSITOR, AUGUST 31, 1894 A large and dangerous bush fire has been raging in the swamp in the \ Township of Hay, for the past few days. The air has been filled with smoke of consequence. *** Mr. C. W. Bunting editor of the Mail, Toronto, was a passenger on the steamer United Empire, on Wednesday morning of last week. This is the first time Mr. Bunting has been in Godcrich in 20 years, and he expressed great surprise at the advancement the town has made in so far as fine business blocks and handsome private residences were concerned. He is a thorough newspaper man, and true to instinct, dropped into the Signal office and helped the editor out by doing a "chore" at proof-reading, and the Signal man says he did it well, too. * * * Messrs. Doherty and Company, of Clinton, propose lighting their extensive organ factories throughout, with electric light, and have purchased an entire outfit for this purpose. it will take about 65 incandescent lights. * * * The other day William Campbell, son of the Clerk of Hullo!, was hauling manure, when part of the load slipped, and he fell to the ground, hurting his shoulder so as to require the services of a doctor. it is expected he will soon be able to work again. C r w * * * Mr. John Hunter and Mr. R. udmore, of Tuckersmith, who ccently went to the Old Country ith a number of cattle, taking also veral horses, have returned. They d not strike as favorable a cattle cf, market as on the previous visit.--A--=--41c m f horses, owned by Mr. P. B Tuckersmith Township accepted se the lower tender for bridge re lace- di mend—wok 1`m KKiTT;Sui r tela RR 2 Dublin at a cost of $156. 15. In the Years Agone McGregor, Brucefield, sold at a good price. Mr. Oliver Johnston's team were the envy of several would-be purchasers, and were ieft in the hands of a gentleman who conditionally purchased them. He said they were the best -matched, easiest handled, and most carefully broken carriage team he had come across. * * * Quite a lively runaway took place on our Main street on Tuesday morning. A fine driving team belonging to Mr. C. Wilson, hitched o the delivery wagon, and tied in front of his store, broke the rope which held it and went up the street ike a rocket. It kept getting closer nd closer to the sidewalk, until at Reid and Wison's hardware store, t struck a light wagon, breaking the reach and knocking out a spoke in he hind wheel of the delivery wagon. Just in front of the xpositor office, the end of the haft struck a telephone pole, topping the outfit, and the marc as caught. One of the shafts was mashed and the scat slightly amaged by the collision, but no miter damage was done. The naway just grazed Mr. T. E. ay's buggy, which was standing in ront of Scott Brothers store, and arae near causing his driver to tart. SEPTEMBER 5, 1919 Rev. Capt. Edward, of Seaforth, will give an address in the Methodist church on Wednesday evening, September 10th, on some his experiences while overseas. will also give an address in the ethel church on Friday evening, a E s s w s d ft ru H f c s September 12th. There will also be a musical programme at each of these gatherings. Everyone should hear Capt. Edwards at these meetings. * ** Mr. W. E. Kerslake has sold the seed and feed business which he has conducted for a number of years to Mr. Marshall Stewart, who has already taken possession. Mr. Stewart is not by any means a stranger in either town or country and his past record ensures him a successful business. Mr. Kerslake has been a prominent resident of Seaforth for over twenty years, and we arc pleased to learn that although he has disposed of his business, he and his family will remain in town. SEPTEMBER 8, 1944 On Friday evening about 8 p.m. the people of Hensall were startled by the cry of fire. It was found that the walls and roof of Mr. R. Patterson's large mill were on fire. There was a high wind blowing, and it was impossible to save anything. * ** One of the most severe thunderstorms experienced here for a long time occured on Saturday morning. it lasted about two hours. The wind blew a perfect hurricane; the rain descended in torrents, and the thunder was terrific, nearly continuous, and the lightning so sharp as to be nearly blinding. Mr. Thom. Lapalic's barn just adjoining the town, took fire, and in the south, Scott Brothers barn in Tuckersmith; also took fire, and they made a blaze that lit up the whole sky. Seaforth SEPTEMBER 4, 1969 Mr. Wm. Wilke, Seaforth, had a portion of his left foot amputated at St. Joseph's Hospital, London following a farm accident on Monday. Ile was assisting moving grain at the farm of Alvin Beuerman, R.R.1 Dublin, e.rly Monday evening when he slipped and his foot became caught in a grain auger. He was rushed to Seaforth Hospital, and was attended to by Dr. Roger Whitman and later removed to London where it was necessary to amputate nearly half his foot. • ** Wm. Miller was re-elected president of the McKellar reunion at Seaforth Lions Club Park. A heavy downpour of Min interrupted the picnic supper. * ** Rev. 1. Urc Stewart has completed his duties as pulpit supply and Pastoral visitor during thc month of August for Main Street United Church, Mitchell, which has been holding services for the summer months with Knox Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Stewart accompanied him in his work. * * * Labor Day visitors at the residence of Rev. J. Urc Stewart and Mrs. Stewart were the former's daughter, Mrs. Alvin Hammond and her husband of Moorefield with thcir daughter, Mrs. Charles Terry and daughter, Debbie of Kitchener. *** Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Powell have moved from the Royal Apts. to the home owned by Mrs. Angus McQuaig. *** Mrs. Ross McGregor, Mrs. W. E. i3utt and Miss Mac Smith have returned after ,spending three weeks on a conducted tour of the Pacific Coast.